Massachusetts Unemployment Rate Continues to Drop

Massachusetts’ unemployment rate for June dropped to its lowest rate in nearly six years – to 5.5 percent – and the state added 3,700 jobs in June, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent report.

Compared to figures from one year ago, Massachusetts’ total unemployment rate is down 1.6 percent and the state has added a net total of 48,900 jobs, 48,400 in the private sector and 500 jobs in the public sector.

The biggest jobs producers were in the education and health services sectors, which added a combined 6,000 positions in June. Retailers added 1,800 jobs, while local government grew by 900 positions. Manufacturing jobs lost 1,100 in June.